Monitoring
coastal water quality involves the use of sensitive laboratory
procedures for detection of nutrients, salinity, oxygen,
bacteria and viruses. The Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring
provides analytical and technical support to other governmental
agencies involved in coastal water issues. Such support
includes:

Specialized
capability in analysis of coastal water and shellfish
tissue samples for public health concerns. The bureau
routinely provides support to the New Jersey Dept.
of Health on issues relating to seafood safety.

The Bureau also is working closely with the academic community
in the development of a viral indicator of human waste
known as coliphage. These sensitive tests are providing
the state with a better means of assessing the sources
of coastal pollution.